Algeria: MC Alger edge Paradou AC to close in on League leaders

MC Alger strengthened their title defence with a 2-1 win over Paradou AC in their rescheduled Ligue 1 fixture on Tuesday at the Ali La Pointe Stadium in Douéra, narrowing the gap on leaders JS Saoura to just three points.

The reigning champions made the most of their home advantage against the bottom-placed side, earning a hard-fought victory that lifted them to 13 points—three behind Saoura, but with three games in hand.

The result puts Mouloudia in a strong position to reclaim the top spot in the coming weeks.

MCA began the game brightly and opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Kipre Jr, who reacted quickly to turn in a rebound after Paradou goalkeeper Toufik Moussaoui parried a curling effort from Mehdi Boucherit.

The early goal gave the hosts control, but their rhythm was disrupted moments later when Kipre Jr was forced off with a tendon injury, replaced by Oussama Benhaoua.

The visitors, despite their struggles this season, responded well as the first half progressed.

Paradou’s young side moved the ball confidently, showing flashes of the attacking fluidity for which their academy is renowned.

However, they found no way past Abdelatif Ramdane, who remained alert to every threat as the half ended 1-0 in favour of Mouloudia.

After the interval, both teams pressed forward with greater urgency.

Paradou sought an equaliser, but it was the home side who doubled their advantage midway through the second half.

Substitute Moslem Anatouf—one of Algeria’s most promising academy graduates—scored his first professional goal in the 72nd minute, calmly converting from a Zinedine Ferhat cross.

Anatouf, a product of the Algerian Football Federation Academy in Sidi Bel-Abbès and a winner of the 2022 Arab Nations Cup with the U-17 side, marked his breakthrough with a composed finish that delighted the home supporters.

Paradou continued to fight back and were eventually rewarded in stoppage time when Fouad Kermiche headed home to make it 2-1 in the 90th minute.

However, their late effort proved too little, too late, as referee Lahlou Benbraham blew for full time moments later to confirm MCA’s narrow but deserved victory.

For Paradou, it was a seventh consecutive defeat, yet the performance offered signs of improvement.

Their spirited display suggested progress, and they will look to secure their first win of the campaign when they host ES Mostaganem in the next round.

Mouloudia, meanwhile, turn their attention to continental duty, preparing for the decisive return leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary tie against Cameroon’s Colombe Sportive du Dja et Lobo on Sunday, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg.